It is the second longest and eighth largest glacier in Italy, and descends down into Val Veny, close to Entrèves, near Courmayeur.

[1][2] The Brenva Glacier is formed from three branches, and descends steeply in a south-easterly direction, passing through a narrow neck (known as the Pierre à Moulin) at 2,460 to 2,550 metres (8,070 to 8,370 ft) above sea level (asl), and then falls sharply as a serac field, before reforming as a broad rock-covered glacial tongue.

[2][5] It has an area of approximately 7 km2 (2.7 sq mi) and, in its upper region, the glacier has a recorded speed of flow of 180 metres (590 ft) per year.

It killed two skiers and built a 25 m (82 ft)-high dam of snow and ice which temporarily blocked the Dora Baltea river, whilst the air blast destroyed mature forest trees and buildings on the opposite side of the valley.

[10] The lower section of the Brenva Glacier is covered in rock – the remnants of earlier rockfalls in November 1920 from the east face of the Grand Pilier d'Angle.

[13] The upper slopes of the Brenva Glacier can be reached via a col below the Tour Ronde, accessed from the Skyway Monte Bianco, but is only suitable for advanced freeride/snowboarders and skiers.